Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing

The report provides an update on the proposal for a Public Space Protection Order (PPSO) to promote responsible dog ownership in the Borough. A public consultation has taken place on the proposals and the report includes the details of the proposed PPSO along with the background and results of the consultation.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the introduction of the Public Space Protection Order to promote responsible dog ownership in the Borough.

Officer Contact: Ian O’Donnell on 0161 474 4175 or email: ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to encourage responsible dog ownership and protect the public in open spaces. The report set out the results of a public consultation on the proposal.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the support for the proposals demonstrated by the public consultation, in particular from responsible dog owners and from the Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club.

Cabinet Members welcomed the proposals and thanked officers and the Cabinet Member for the work done to prepare this scheme.

RESOLVED – That the proposed Public Space Protection Order to encourage responsible dog ownership, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved.

The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the proposal for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to promote responsible dog ownership in the Borough. A public consultation had taken place on the proposals and the report included the details of the proposed PSPO along with the background and the results of the consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to present the report and respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that under the new proposals there was no guarantee every perpetrator would be prosecuted. The intention was to maximise the use of available staff including PCSOs and Civil Enforcement Officers who could issue such notices.

·         In relation to a comment about the value of the public’s assistance in enforcing any public space protection order, it was confirmed that there was a reporting system in place; however, in every case the legal burden of proof needed to be satisfied which meant that robust evidence needed to be provided which was often difficult for a member of the public to provide.

·         Concerns had been raised with the Council that following the imposition of limits in neighbouring local authorities on the number of animals that could be exercised by any individual, Stockport was being used as an alternative location for such activities. 

·         Following a comment in relation to the proposed restriction of four on the number of animals that could be exercised by one person it was stated that that the proposals had been widely consulted on and had been supported by The Dogs Trust and Kennel Club.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.